We will deliver “a warm time and space” to the world through Bizen ware.

ARTIST

Kenji Takenaka

1957

He was born in Okayama city.

1988

He studied under Jun Isezaki who was designated as Living National Treasure. He received a prize in the Issuikai exhibition.

1989

He received a prize in the molding exhibition of the tea ceremony at the Tanabe Museum of Art. (After that he was awarded the prize 4 more times.) He received a prize in the Asahi ceramic art exhibition. He received the Encouragement Prize in the Okayama art exhibition. (After that he was awarded the Encouragement Prize 2 more times.) He received a Sanyo Newspaper Publisher Prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in the Chugoku Area.

1990

He received a Prize of Prefecture in Okayama art exhibition. (After that he was awarded the Prize of Prefecture 2 more times.) He received a prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition at Chugoku Area. (After that he was awarded the prize 5 more times.)

1991

He received a prize in Okayama art exhibition. (After that he was awarded the prize 6 more times.) He publicly received a prize in Yakishime Pottery exhibitions.

1993

He make hole and semi-underground type kiln in Kibi chuo-cho, Okayama.

1994

Fired kiln for the first time.

1995

He received a Mayor Okayama Prize in Okayama art exhibition. He held a private exhibition at Kurodatouen Ginza. ( After that it was held 6 times.)

1997

He held a private exhibition in studio Ikuko. (After that it was held 1 more time.) He received a prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. ( After that he was awarded the prize 1 more time.)

1998

He held a private exhibition at the Tenmaya in Okayama.

2000

He held a private exhibition at the Bizen Gallery Aoyama. (After that it was held 4 more times.)

2005

He submitted to the Japan and France modern Ceramic Art Exhibition. 2006 He held a private exhibition at Bunkindo.

2007

He held a private exhibition at the Gallery Tosei.(After that it was held 2 more times.)

2008

He held a private exhibition at the Gallery Matsuyama.

2010

He held a private exhibition at Mitsukoshi in Nagoya.

2011

He received a Sanyo Newspaper Publisher Prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition of the Chugoku Area. He received a special award of Prefecture in Okayama Art Exhibition.

2012

He received a Mayor Okayama Prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition at Chugoku Area.

2013

He joined in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition of the Chugoku Area and this allowed him to regain his confidence.

Many other private exhibitions are held in various regions.

The Opportunity to Become a Bizen ware Artist

“Could I make jewelry with soil” In that thought process I wanted a hint and checked about Bizen ware, and I was attracted by Bizen ware itself when I was a jewelry designer.
I did not really like the quiet Bizen ware when I was young. However I related to the many modern formations that “Bizen ware
has such a molding-like view of the world. I seem to be able to do an interesting thing in traditional crafts.” I have ventured into the world of Bizen for the first time.

Policy

Choose by see the products themselves, not the just the names of the famous.

Ceramics making

I acquired various experiences while over observing Bizen ware, and it came to be technically possible to do it, it makes me think increasingly that it was fun. I want to express something stimulating and impressive with clay for the viewer.

Future

I’d like Bizen ware to go around the world. I want to absorb a variety of things and express my world based on Bizen ware. I made many sharp and aggressive works, but want to make more work which softens and makes the heart feel at ease, and also soothing works in the future.

Message

The world of “Wabi and Sabi” and Japanese culture including delicate sensitivity with warmth. Bizen ware is the same, it has subtle rich atmosphere. I want others to feel the uniqueness of our world in the earthy scent.